How to divide limited time in Peru
 

Hello,
I am in the early stages of planning a trip to Peru for April 2010. After allowing for a night in Lima when we first arrive and a night in Lima before our departure back to the states, we only have 7 nights to work with. We would like to see cusco, sacred valley, machu picchu, and the jungle (via PM).

We are considering spending 5 nights in cusco/sacred valley/machu picchu and 2 nights in the jungle, vs 4 nights in cusco/sacred valley/machu picchu and 3 nights in the jungle. I have heard that after accounting for all the travel time, the 2 night jungle tours really only give you 24 hours to take in the wild-life, so I think I am leaning towards doing 3 nights in the jungle. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Aimee

For best wildlife do 3 nights in Manu www.inkanatura.com

www.inkaterra.com Best in PM wildlife not as good though

Do SV MP first lower than Cusco 11000 ft

easier to adjust altitude...

Take Diamox to prevent altitude illness

www.pmexplorers.com good Cusco provider.

www.taca.com usually cheapest LIM CUZ flights

Have fun,

Honestly with your limited time I would head straight to Cusco from Lima (on the first morning flight after you arrive). If you are arriving late night as many flights do, just spend the night near the airport.

Do you really need to see the jungle? With a trip that short I just might skip it.

I agree with mlgb - Head straight for Cusco as soon as you can and spend your time in the Sacred Valley. There is more than enough to keep to entertained for a week.

agree with crellston and mlgb. SV is beautiful and there is much to see.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I REALLY want to see the jungle but I also don't want to pack so much into the trip that we can't relax and enjoy ourselves. I guess we may have to rethink things.

Qwovadis-
I have heard that the wildlife in Manu is superior to that in PM, however, all of the Manu tours that I have come across are longer and more expensive. If we do still decide to squeeze in a trip to the jungle, does anyone have any recommendations for a reasonable 2 or 3 night jungle excursion in Manu.

Thanks!
Aimee

WWW.LANPERU.COM IT'S EXPENSIVE TACA TOO BUT IT DOESN'D GO TO PM STAR PERU GOES AND IT'S CHEAPER THAN LANPERU ON EALRY JANUARY NEW AIRLINEA PERUVIANAIRLINES.COM CHEAPEST ONE TO CUSCO 7 nights in Peru good time to see both cities

abennis,

I am currently working with Liz at Tropical Nature Travel and she offered a range of jungle visits from Cusco. Your best bet might be to fly to PM then travel to a nearby lodge for 2-3 nights. Here is the website, http://www.tropicalnaturetravel.com/...out_peru.shtml

Happy planning,


Pol